A Look at Construction Accidents
Construction workers across the country endure some of the most dangerous and toughest job conditions on a regular basis. Despite many safety regulations in place to protect workers, unfortunately injuries do occur. Whether erecting bridges, parking structures, or office buildings, workers are almost always in danger of suffering a construction injury.
Statistics
According to statistics, 1,008 construction site deaths occurred in 2020, accounting for 21% of all fatal workplace injuries for that year. There were 174,100 non-fatal injuries or illnesses reported. There were also 4,113 preventable reported construction injury-related deaths. Overall, statistics confirm that falls, slips, and trips were the major cause behind the accidents, accounting for more than one-third of the deaths. The construction industry, as a whole, had 46.1% of all fatal injuries and a majority of these accidents could have been prevented by simply following proper safety protocols.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents
Despite OSHA’s job safety programs and regulations, construction accidents still occur for several reasons. The most common ones include:
- Falling objects
- Scaffolding accidents
- Collapsed structures
- Inadequate training
- Fires
- Exposure to toxic substances
- Crane accidents
- Safety oversights
These are all common causes of construction accidents. But there are four primary causes that account for nearly 90% of all construction worker deaths. These are known as the “Fatal Four.” They are:
- Falls
- Struck by, and
- Electrocutions
- Caught in/between
Types of Injuries Caused
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Loss of hearing
- Chemical burns
- Blindness
- Wrongful death
Who is Responsible for a Construction Accident?
Most construction accidents happen because of insufficient safety provisions for workers. In case of an accident, an attorney can hold several parties responsible for it. Any third-party that failed to provide sufficient safety provisions or take proper safety measures to ensure a safe construction site may be held responsible for the injury. These may include contractors, engineers, site owners, subcontractors, and equipment manufacturers.
What to Do After a Construction Accident?
Construction accidents can occur quickly and cause serious damage and injuries. What you do immediately after such an accident can make all the difference. After you make sure you are safe, notify your employer. Inform your direct supervisor or foreman, not just a coworker.
Next, get medical attention as soon as possible, even if you feel okay. Not only will this help you protect your health but it will also document your injuries and medical care which are necessary when filing a claim.
Hilton & Somer, LLC: Virginia, Maryland & D.C. Construction Accident Attorneys
Finally, hire the services of a reputable construction accident lawyer. An experienced attorney will provide the necessary guidance to help you pursue compensation. At Hilton & Somer, LLC, no case is too big or too small for our knowledgeable construction accident attorneys to pursue. We will evaluate your specific situation based on the applicable laws and regulations and suggest a course of action you can follow. Use our online contact form or call 703-560-0700 for a no-obligation, free consultation today.
References
https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2022/a-look-at-falls-slips-and-trips-in-the-construction-industry.htm
https://lileswhite.com/new-mexico/construction-injury-statistics/
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